Jefferson’s Restaurant is pleased to announce the Huntsville area Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year winners. Each Jefferson’s location in the Huntsville area has honored a local winner:
- Hampton Cove: Laura Curry teaches K-5 special education at Goldsmith Schiffman Elementary, and has been teaching for 16 years. Mrs. Curry loves attending the Special Olympics with her kids, and when she’s not teaching, you can find her boating and camping with her family. Mrs. Curry was selected for her advocacy, which has transformed the lives of the students she works with.
- Hartselle: Randall Key teaches band at Hartselle High, and has been a music teacher for 33 years—and over 20 of those years with Hartselle City Schools. During his tenure, the Hartselle High marching band has marched in the New York Veteran’s Day Parade, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Chicago Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade, among others. Mr. Key is also a studio musician and arranger, and was chosen for his exceptional passion and dedication for his students’ growth.
- New Market: Arika Beitler teaches special education at Riverton Elementary School, and has been teaching for six years. In her career, she has taught art to grades K-12. Her favorite teaching moments are seeing the hardwon “aha” and growth moments in her students. She was selected for her deep compassion and dedication to improving her students’ lives.
Each teacher was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day on May 5, aims to recognize a few of the many deserving teachers in the Huntsville area. Jefferson’s selected Curry, Key, and Beitler as the Teachers of the Year for their
“These educators are all teachers that are beloved and respected by their communities,” said Jake Lund, franchisee/co-owner. “Their nominators spoke across the board of their empathy and their passion for what they do. They build sensory rooms for their kids, and attend sporting events, birthdays, and funerals. These teachers care so much, and they embody everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders. We’re honored to recognize them for their outstanding dedication to their communities.”
Each teacher will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and their achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Briana Butler honored as the Hampton Cove 2025 Teacher of the Year. This is the launch of the program at Hartselle and New Market, both of which opened their doors this past year.
This year is the sophomore run for the Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year award, launched as a companion program to Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award, which runs in the fall. The teachers’ initiative is open to teachers working with students of any age, and candidates could be nominated by students, parents and guardians of students, school officials, or other community members.